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ONLINE FEATURE - December 2017

Be Grateful for Fruits and Vegetables

by Ethan Davis

Fruits and vegetables are the world's superfoods. From having health-nurturing qualities to being a delicious ingredient in many recipes, fruit and vegetables simply have capabilities we should maximize and be thankful for every single day. Here are the reasons why appreciating these fine products of nature should be a priority.

Fruits and Vegetables Can Heal the Body

Evolving Magazine

Striking that balance between work and life often comes with challenges. More often than not, as many of us try to keep up with life’s unrelenting hectic pace, our bodies take the hit. Thankfully, nature has provided us with more than a handful of remedies that can alleviate and even ward off certain illnesses. Harvard Health Publishing highlights that green leafy vegetables like collards, kale, and spinach, along with tomatoes are packed with anti-inflammation properties that can reduce your chances of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and even Alzheimer’s. Through a well-balanced diet, you can reap the benefits and help avoid any health issues down the line.

Fruits and Vegetables Can Add Years to Your Life

While we all know that the elixir of life and immortality are reserved for fiction, there are fruits and vegetables that can have a close-to-similar effect when it comes to extending one’s existence on Earth. Time highlighted a report in the International Journal of Epidemiology that showed approximately 7.8 million premature deaths around the globe could have been avoid annually if people consumed 800 grams of fruits and vegetables daily. Cruciferous veggies that are high in fiber and vitamin K like broccoli and Brussels sprouts along with green beans can slash your risk of cancer. On the other hand, apples can bring down the threat of cardiac issues.

Fruits and Vegetable Can Make You Feel Better and Think Sharper

If you think these multi-beneficial foods can’t put you in an upbeat disposition, you are misinformed. Health IQ underscores that by increasing your intake of veggies and fruits you can expect a boost in “positive emotions and life satisfaction.” Moreover, you can also boost neurological activity and protect your brain with the help of these foods. Fruits like avocado, which is rich in vitamin E, can reduce the threat of developing Alzheimer’s. On the other hand, blueberries, strawberries, and acai berries can keep your mind sharper by expelling toxic proteins from your body that are related to memory loss. The effects can be felt in full if this is paired with an appropriate exercise routine and everyday healthy meals.

Fruits and Vegetables Can Make You Sleep Better

Sleep deprivation can lead to a ton of health problems from unwarranted weight gain to a compromised immune system. You not only need the right amount of shuteye, but the quality is just as important. To get the most from your sleep, Eating Well advises consuming fruits like kiwi which are abundant in vitamins C and E, serotonin, and folate. These are known to add a full extra hour to uninterrupted sleep when taken before bedtime. Additionally, kale can help you sleep easier, specifically if your calcium-levels have been neglected. It’s been found that being calcium deficient makes it harder to slip into comfortable sleep.

Fruits and Vegetable Can Make You Look Better

If you are having trouble with hair loss, this is yet another department where fruits and vegetable can lend a helping hand. Eating 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables can fortify your hair health. It is imperative to choose foods that are packed in vitamin A (like carrots and cantaloupe), biotin (like raspberries and cauliflower), and vitamin C (like oranges and red peppers).